Five brides and grooms, one happy day: couples get chance to renew vows at same hotel

Each of the couples – who had tied the knot at the Days Hotel Marsham Court in Russell Cotes Road, Bournemouth – were given the chance to relive their special days at the venue this week.

The brides and grooms had won the prize after penning their wedding memories and sending them to the hotel.

For Peter and Clare Kendrick, of Bournemouth, the ceremony was a chance to share memories with relatives unable to attend on their big day.

Clare’s mother and grandmother missed the wedding after being caught up in the French air traffic control strikes on June 28 this year.

The shop manager said: “Having them here to see us renew our vows was very emotional, but one of the happiest days of my life.”

Mrs Kendrick's mother Maxine Lambert, who lives in Spain, said: “Seeing Clare in her wedding dress today, saying her vows in the garden, overlooking the sea, has been absolutely wonderful.”

Brave Natalie Down, 30, enjoyed an unusual celebration after the service as husband Gareth, 28, dumped her in the sea. She decided to take a late-summer dip to raise funds for her friend’s three-year-old son, William Atkinson, who has leukaemia.

“I decided to ask people to sponsor me to take a dip in the sea at Bournemouth, in my wedding dress, to help his family meet the costs associated with his treatment,” she said.

Hotel general manager Rosie Wallace said the renewals created a “huge buzz” as others still planning their weddings browsed the fayre.

“I expect many guests were honoured to witness the couples’ beautiful ceremonies,” she said.

The happy couples:

- Gareth and Natalie Down, 28 and 30 from Weymouth, married on May 11, 2010

- Pete and Clare Kendrick, of Bournemouth, married on June 28, 2014

- Gordon and Alli Wallis, from Bournemouth, 57 and 43, wed on July 4, 2008

- Nigel and Linda Toohey, 52 and 51, from Bournemouth, wed on August 15, 1992

- Mike and Lucy Relf, 33 and 31, from Poole, married on July 16, 2005